Though Steyer is a long-shot, he is being strongly pushed by Center for American Progress chief John Podesta:

John Podesta, who chairs the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, said Steyer has “got the right skill set, the understanding and attitude to lead an energy transformation in this country.”

“I think he would be a fabulous choice for energy secretary,” Podesta added, “and I’ve let my friends in the administration know that.”

The puff piece was written by the WaPo’s Juliet Eilperin, whose husband (Andrew Light) is a senior fellow on climate/energy issues at the Center for American Progress.